Tag Archives: running

GRAVITY HOLDS YOU DOWN, HOVR LIFTS YOU UP

On 22 Feb. 2018, high performance sportswear label Under Armour (UA) introduced in Manila, Philippines the brand’s latest innovation in footwear cushioning technology called HOVR (UA HOVR TECHNOLOGY). The new HOVR delivers one of the most cutting edge running platforms that combine comfort, underfoot cushioning, and energy return for runners.

Engineered to provide the ideal combination of cushioning and energy return, the UA HOVR midsole is made of a compound providing a super soft durometer with incredible cushioning and shock absorption with every single foot strike. UA partnered with leading innovators Dow Chemical for this proprietary foam. UA HOVR is UA’s third cushioning platform which evolved from Micro G and Charged. This new cushioning system delivers on runners’ needs to have a shoe that provides not only support, but also energy return and shock absorption.

Another key component of UA HOVR cushioning system is its Energy Web, a mesh fabric that wraps the cushioning core to deliver strong responsiveness. This ideal combination of advantages makes runners feel and perform better with less fatigue. The shoe absorbs some of the impact an athlete’s body would normally feel, hence, aiding in comfort and keeping legs fresh for the road ahead.

HOVR Phantom vs. HOVR Sonic

Phantom Features

Sonic Features

Threadborne upper with Dyneema® (world’s strongest fiber)

Threadborne flat knit upper

Speedform 2.0 construction

Speedfit 2.0 construction

Inbuilt insoles

Removable insoles

Full-length HOVR foam

Mid-length HOVR foam

A great all-around cushioned daily trainer that can be worn for most runs while being stylish enough for the street as well

A fast, springy and responsive runner that will serve well for medium to longer distances and sprint work

“The development of UA HOVR was inspired by the insight that every step a runner takes has the impact of two to four times their body weight holding them down. When designing UA HOVR, we set out to create the perfect combination of cushioning plus responsiveness and energy return to essentially lift you up,” said Dave Dombrow, UA’s chief design officer. “The HOVR underfoot returns that energy and makes every stride feel light and effortless. I could not be more proud of this product and for HOVR to usher in a new chapter in the UA design and innovation story.”

“UA is focused on delivering runners around the world—from world champion Natasha Hastings to runners completing their first 5K—innovative solutions that provide an unparalleled running experience,” said Topher Gaylord, UA Run general manager. “We obsess over every detail in our running footwear to ensure supreme comfort, unrivaled performance, and the ultimate underfoot ride. With beautiful design, HOVR technology empowers athletes everywhere, at all levels of the sport, with performance advantages previously available only to the world’s most elite athletes. Put simply, UA and UA HOVR make you better.”

UA HOVR Phantom

The UA HOVR Phantom weighs 10.6oz (or 300.5g) and has a plush and responsive ride made for runners who want all-around cushioning. With the UA HOVR Phantom, UA leveraged its apparel DNA to create a knitted collar for superior comfort and adaptation around the ankle with a 5/8” collar and knitted sock-like feel. Weighing in at 9.6oz (or 272g), with an 8mm offset, the UA HOVR Sonic has a light and responsive ride designed for runners who put distance first. The UA HOVR platform will be introduced through two styles; the HOVR Phantom and HOVR Sand both are available for purchase (P6,395) now.

I raced this event as my first triathlon (tri) back in June 2016; and by complete surprise, landed third place in age group! The inaugural Sunrise Sprint or S2 was a 750m open water swim + 20km bike + 5-km run, a side event of Regent 5150 Triathlon sponsored by Regent Foods Corporation and was hosted in Subic Bay, Zambales.

I had been eyeing the Cobra 70.3 IRONMAN in Cebu 2016 so this sprint tri was never part of my preparation and repertoire prior to the big day in August. But two of my Endure teammates, Raffy and Clark, including Jerome, a Tri Taft member and good friend, encouraged me to register for a sprint tri so I could experience triathlon firsthand and familiarize myself, especially, at transition points considered crucial links in the outcome of a tri race. Their efforts were not put in vain.

Made a few new friends as well and saw old ones during race kit claiming. After I checked in my equipment and had myself body numbered, I walked around at the expo and immersed myself in the excitement and nerves before race day. Later in the afternoon, it was a total cool experience seeing a sea of nice bikes during the mandatory check-in at the transition area. The group decided to forgo attending race briefing and opted to go back to the hotel and get an early night instead in preparation for next day’s event.

Before the race started, as I was heading towards the beach area, I chanced to walk and chat with professional IRONMAN triathlete Dimity Lee-Duke of Australia who raced the standard distance. I asked her if she ever get nervous before every race. She was kind enough to answer the question by sharing her own experience as a beginner triathlete, and gave me these encouraging words, “Give your best. Fear is natural but you have to conquer it. Just have fun!”

Bikes! More bikes!Almost reaching transition 2

While waiting for our wave start (all women), I’ve never been more nervous in my life than seeing the 750-meter rectangular course. The sprint swim course started at the ACEA beach following a counter clockwise flow. It was far too nerve-wracking for someone who transitioned from training in a pool to racing in open water after such long years and swim in a “washing machine” or in a pack of a more experienced triathletes. Well, the distance looked longer than in the pool and the buoys were too far! I had no choice but to meet the challenge head on. The countdown began with ten seconds to go and then we were off. Trust your training was my last thought before plunging into the water.

Swimming in a pack can get a little rough when you could be hit by swinging arms and kicking feet or climbed over by faster swimmers, which made it difficult to race at your best sometimes. At the start of the swim, it was like we were one large school of fish trapped in fishing net, swimming about, seemingly trying to escape. By the time I reached the first buoy, that moment felt like I had been overtaken by everyone and so I felt the need to strategize. I stopped for a few seconds to tread water and sight. I even managed to shout jokingly, “Ang lapad-lapad ng dagat nagsisikipan tayo!” Of course, no one was paying attention to what I said because most were swimming frantically in an endeavor to reach the shoreline and finish ahead of the cut-off time. Towards the end of the lap, I had settled into a rhythm and swimming like it was one typical Sunday morning. I tried as much to slash seconds off my race time by doing a quick change gear at transition 1.

My love … “running” … woohoo!

The bike course was relatively flat with slight ups and downs but no major climbs to worry about. A major section of the race took place at the airport runway. It was a bit too windy that day. Bike leg ended in Remy Field where transition 2 was located. All I could recall during the bike leg was I was trying to move at a speedy and steady pace, pedaling to catch up and overtake other cyclists to compensate for time consumed during the swim. Just wanted cycling done and over with so I could finally do the run. It was a glorious day for a triathlon with the sun shining bright. A number of standard and sprint distance participants were already running by the time I reached transition 2. Running off the bike can be uncomfortable. It was for me, initially. My legs so heavy and I felt a little discomfort. It took ten to fifteen minutes before things started to feel right. The sides of the street were lined with spectators who cheered and shouted to say the names of their friends or family. I only made a quick stop at the aid station near the turnaround point and kept going for the last few kilometers to the finish. A foreigner guy was clapping his hands and cheering for me as I neared the finish line. Saw the finish line arch, crossed it, and then it was over. I completed my first tri!

Post-race Activities

We stayed a few hours to wait for the others to join us, went for food, claimed our bikes and walked back to our hotel to pack and rest. I was taking a shower when Endure teammates Clark and Raffy excitedly shouted from outside that I won. Inside the bathroom, I was wondering how they could know about it so quickly. They even knocked on the door asking me to finish real fast and go back to the venue ASAP. Another teammate Dido also won in his age group. Fellow blogger Vimz aka Kulit Runner of Sunrise Events also sent me a message that I won. By the time we reached the venue, my name was already called and I was not able to go up on the podium to accept my award. Never really expected that I would win (finishing 3rd in age group) that day!

Race Results

Race results showed I was second-to-last to exit the water or 9th out of 10 competitors in my age group. I finished the 20-km bike in a little over an hour (1:06:47) and finished my run in 33:10 minutes. I placed 29th out of 69 female participants and 137th overall out 236 sprint participants. For a first-time “triathlete” … not bad at all! I owed this win to my Endure teammates and “Team Ninja” for their support and encouragement. Most importantly, to Him who made this possible. This race will be forever etched in my memories as one of my best tri races! Congratulations to all finishers and winners of this race. Kudos to the organizers, volunteers, and community for such a top notch race! Till next time!

Connected health and fitness market leader Fitbit recently introduced two new fitness wristbands, the Fitbit Charge 2™ and Fitbit Flex 2™. With its new sleek looks, both can track your health and fitness stats and help you experience a more engaging and motivating activities to eventually reach your fitness goals.

The new Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Flex 2

What’s New?

• Charge 2™ – In addition to PurePulse® heart rate tracking, it now features smart notifications, it has a new design with a larger display, interchangeable bands–from workout to a night out accessory, and enhanced exercise fitness tools, eg “Relax” guided breathing sessions, cardio fitness level (estimated VO2 Max), all-day activity tracking, auto sleep tracking, multisport tracking modes (run, bike rides, weight, yoga), connected GPS, auto exercise recognition, smartphone notifications, reminders to move to motivate you to stay active throughout the day, wireless syncing, long battery life of up to five days, and a hi-res tap display which can be personalized to best fit your activity or style.

The all-new fitness Fitbit wristbands

Availability

o Charge 2™ will be available late October 2016 in colors black, blue, plum or teal. Its classic accessory bands in four colors are sold separately. Luxe premium leather accessory bands in blush pink, brown, and indigo. Coming soon is its special edition in gunmetal and rose gold. Check prices on Fitbit.com. (Note: pricing at retailers may vary)

Style it your way with accessories.

• Flex 2™ – Its ultra-slim and minimalist design is thirty percent smaller. A swim-proof fitness wristband which is water resistant up to fifty meters and can track pool swims, laps, duration, and calories burned accessible via the Fitbit App. It can also be transformed into a chic piece of jewelry or fashion accessory either as a bangle or pendant to be made available in 2017. Check prices on Fitbit.com. (Note: pricing at retailers may vary)

Fitbit helps people lead healthier, more active lives by empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance to reach their goals. As the leader in the connected health and fitness category, Fitbit designs products and experiences that track everyday health and fitness.

Fitbit products are carried in 54,000 retail stores and in 64 countries around the globe. Fitbit Group Health uses the power of the Fitbit activity trackers, software, and services to deliver innovative solutions for corporate wellness, weight management, insurance and clinical research.

If you are a beginner wanting to immerse into triathlon (tri) racing for the first time, a tri enthusiast who wants to race without having to worry about long periods of training, or a tri warrior who has been off the circuit and is raring to make a comeback, the Sunrise Sprint (S2) is a short distance tri race series featuring a 750-meter open water swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and 5-kilometer run.

Launching on June 5 as side event for Regent 5150 Triathlon in Subic Bay, S2 is the short distance race that will give that fun and friendly racing experience, which can be found in every Sunrise brand of tri racing, but with lesser challenges than its longer distance race predecessors.

Limited slots available. Athlete must be at least 15 years old by December 31 of the race year to be eligible for this race. There has never been a better time to TRI but NOW!